Blanche Bennett

A Second World War Veteran of the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC), Mrs. Bennett coordinated a successful reunion for more than 250 CWAC members in 1981. Over the next 20 years, Mrs. Bennett organized and participated in events commemorating all Prince Edward Island women who served the country. In 2001, she travelled to Kitchener to participate in the city's unveiling ceremony of the CWAC statue erected in commemoration of the role played by women during the Second World War. On that occasion, Mrs. Bennett was interviewed by CBC on the very grounds on which she initially reported for duty back in 1942. Mrs Bennett has been active in remembrance initiatives and she visits schools annually during Veterans' Week to speaks to students about Veterans' sacrifice and achievements during wartime and in peacetime. She has also participated at a University of Prince Edward Island History department interview at which she shared her experiences during the Second World War. Mrs Bennett is involved in poppy sales on behalf of The Royal Canadian Legion, and has published her memories of the Second World War in "My Grandmother's Wartime Diary", a compilation of such stories. Mrs. Bennett has displayed a long-standing commitment to the cause of Veterans and has dedicated many years of selfless efforts to ensure that the memory of their sacrifice is never forgotten.